Lot 1 at the recent BSA KZN Yearling Sale, an unnamed Filly by Vercingetorix out of Palace Dreams from Millstream Farm
Encouraging endorsement for the SA Industry
The Pedigree Obsessor
Given the turbulent and challenging times of the past 12 months and last few years, both beyond and within SA Horseracing, it is very fair to conclude that an extremely encouraging 2023 KZN Yearling Sale took place on 29 June.
In the day prior to the Sale the mood seemed almost nervously celebratory, yet smiles were in abundance and the general confidence appeared propped up with the never-say-die positivity that South African’s have mastered through the storms of time. Friendliness could be observed across the Sales Ground, interactions between Vendors and Buyers were plentiful nd the central stars of the show, the horses, were resplendent and breath-taking.
Despite the torrential rain that belted down 2 days prior to the sale saturating the stables, the weather lifted on Wednesday. Come sales day on Thursday the precinct was bathed with a calm temperate sunshine under a gloriously blue Durban sky but tainted with a subliminal air of general apprehension. Perhaps this apprehension is no different to the moments before any sale, however in the context of prevailing market conditions, it may have been “peppered” with a natural concern stemming from the recent past.
When the bell sounded the bidding was immediately robust with a lovely Vercingetorix filly from Jan Mantel @ Millstream causing the Auctioneer to swing his head left and right across the marquee and finally knock her down to Tony Peter for a sale tone setting “entrée” of R360,000.
And so it had started encouragingly with the Auctioneering Team hardly having to cajole Buyers into action the entire day. One could almost see the veil of pre-sale uncertainty slide off the faces of Vendors and by mid-afternoon many had smiles that spoke a thousand words.
For those with an analytical outlook, statistics provide an opportunity to note the shifts, the periodic trends and further contemplation of the underlying dynamics.
Exactly the same number of horses were sold (147) as for the 2022 Sale generating total sales of R27.1million @with average price leaping up by 49.72% . This is significant in statistical parlance.
It is correct to say that 2022 was not a great benchmark/yardstick, because of the (non) events of the previous 2 years, but the shift in results remains significant enough not to be dismissed.
The trend shift within the Top 30 priced horses warrants noting.
The Top 30 priced horses fetched gross R12,36million vs the R10,175million of 2022, an increase of 21.47% confirming that the market paid more for horses beyond the top 10 priced lots – in fact +36.25% for top 11-20 horses and +56.35% for 21-30.
The visual, conformation and pedigree quality of the stock on offer was outstanding once again, testimony to a very robust and professional Breeding industry who delight us with beautiful specimens year in and year out. That they have endured arguably the toughest years in many a decade and still produced what they have is outstanding and each is to be afforded the credit they so deserve. It would be grossly unfair to single any 1 Breeder out from the rest and credit must be given to them all as a collective.
If it is possible to pick out some without prejudice to many other fine horses, here are 2 that captivated this writer….
Lot 16
Lot16, a colt consigned by Ascot Stud and named NIGHT ROCKER (Global View x Rockie Bright) was an exceptional looker, almost incredibly forward for a yearling and much in the mould of his famous Grand Sire GALILEO. Peter Muscutt, who successfully trains a half-sister, ROCKIE REEF, could not resist snapping up this one for R325 000 and who can blame him!. Remember the name, NIGHT ROCKER even if only to catch a glimpse of this fine specimen in the flesh.
Another to catch this eye both on pedigree and physically was a splendid filly, this time consigned by James Armitage’s Sandown Stud, Lot115 named WARRIOR ROSE (Pathfork x Duchess Delight). Bidding was fervent and eventually nabbed by Gareth Van Zyl with both hands for R460 000. Remember this name too.
Lot 115 – Warrior Rose by Pathfork out of Duchess Delight from Sandown Stud
Buyers must be given credit for their willingness to reward the Breeders and the quality of their product by paying higher prices. Without the Buying support Breeders would be very hard pressed to continue investing the time and money they do into the industry.
In the final analysis it was a wonderful sale, professionally delivered by Bloodstock South Africa and well supported with confidence boosting results. This beautiful industry is alive and well and has the resolve to weather the storm and emerge stronger. The Breeders have demonstrated again that they are professional, there for the long haul and remain very capable of producing high quality stock regardless of the market conditions. The Buyers respected that fact by being more than willing to reward quality with their stretched and under-pressure budgets.
Onwards and Upwards.
